Big 12 Power Rankings: Huge Separation Between Top Six, Bottom Four
By Brian Spaen
1. Kansas (19-1, 7-0) LW: 1
For some reason, the Jayhawks can’t just come out and absolutely impress you this season. It’s hard to win on the road, but there’s no excuse to let West Virginia have as much of a chance as it did when Kansas came out dominant in the first 15 minutes.
Jan 26, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ben McLemore (23) stops against pressure from Oklahoma Sooners forward Amath M
2. Kansas State (16-4, 5-2) LW: 2
That whooping they gave Texas further separates the top six in this conference from the bottom four. Is McGruder the true Big 12 MVP?
3. Oklahoma (14-5, 5-2) LW: 3
Here’s the difference between the good and really good teams. Good teams like Iowa State don’t lose at home but can’t close out tough games on the road. Even when the Bears had a chance to win, a really good team like the Sooners were able to close them out. There’s no debate, they’re comfortably in the NCAA tournament as of right now.
4. Oklahoma State (14-5, 4-3) LW: 6
What a great win for the Cowboys at home. Winning the turnover margin is completely underrated, and it’s why they find themselves this high in the rankings. If they can find a way to beat Kansas at home this week, then they just have to put a complete game performance on the road.
5. Baylor (14-6, 5-2) LW: 5
It’s really tough to pick the middle of the pack in the conference right now, and Baylor’s conference schedule is a little lofty beating the bottom four teams four times in their five wins. Looking back at the rankings, I should have had Baylor above ISU last week. I don’t really know if them or the Cyclones are better, but I guess we’ll find out on Saturday.
6. Iowa State (14-6, 4-3) LW: 4
Where is the consistency? That term is going to be overused by me through the upcoming weeks if they can’t win on the road.
Jan 30, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Rick Barnes questions a call during first-half action of a game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
7. West Virginia (9-11, 2-5) LW: 7
That was pretty competitive after the slow start by the Mountaineers. But then again, Kansas is going to get everyone’s best shot all season long.
8. Texas (9-11, 1-6) LW: 9
Beating Texas Tech is a start. But getting blown out by Kansas State only shows how far this team has fallen.
9. Texas Tech (2-5, 9-9) LW: 8
Seriously, how the hell did Iowa State lose to this team?
10. TCU (9-11, 0-7) LW: 10
Well, at least we know they’d be at the bottom of the Mountain West this year too.
Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter.